Posted on April 19, 2013 by Jenny Cromack
Top 10 Ways To Spring Back Into Shape
It’s time to stop hibernating! Get into shape this spring with these Top 10 Tips from our top PT Lucy Harrison!
1) Stop Thinking About It and Do It!
One of our favourite sayings at motive8 is There is no change, if there is no change! So stop thinking about what you are going to do and just do it. Make a change for the better in your life!
2) Set A Goal
Setting a specific goal is a proven motivation booster—but don’t make it about weight loss. To get started, it’s better to set a behaviour goal, like the number of times a week you’re going to work out. Also, set yourself a long term goal such as aiming to complete a 5krace, or feeling confident in your favourite bikini or trunks. These goals give your workouts a purpose and something for you to focus on.
3) Take Advantage of the Outdoors
Finally the time has come…… light nights and mornings….whoop whoop! There really is no excuse not to take advantage of the lovely spring air. Supplement your gym workouts with nice walks and cycles or take the kids for a kick around and tire them out at the same time! Leeds is surrounded by amazing parks and nature walks…take advantage of them!
Why not break up the routine of sitting down all day at work by going for a 20 minute walk on your lunch break.
4) Make Like-Minded Friends
Take advantage of the Motive8 community. I have not worked at Motive8 very long but the sense of community that is present is incredible. I think discipline to train alone is key, however the benefits of training with others who have the same desire to achieve their goal can be extremely beneficial. It makes exercising more fun; it also makes it harder to bail out of a workout. You can make friends in the group who are going to keep you on track, and you’ll do the same for them. To supplement your own training why not consider taking part in one of the motive8 classes or group training sessions.
5) Play a Sport
As a personal trainer I hear too often people saying I used to play this…. I enjoyed this… but I don’t do it anymore. Why the hell not?! If there is a sport that you used to love and enjoy then get back into it! Being active by doing something you enjoy is a massive bonus….exercise doesn’t feel like a chore anymore! So this Spring, add to your activity levels by grabbing the bull by the horns and participating in a sport you enjoy.
6) Treat Yourself
Before you get started, reward yourself with a fitness item you’re going to want to wear or use, such as a new sports bra or training top. Buying a new item is motivating because it feels like a fresh start, plus, you can think of the item as a health investment you won’t want to go to waste.
7) Buy New Shoes
The trainers that have been using all winter aren’t just drab, they may also be dangerous. Shoes need to support your feet and body and be appropriate for the sport. If you put 300-500 miles on your trainers last year, they probably need to be replaced.
8) Get Support
No matter how determined you are to get back in shape, there will likely come a day where you slip up, want to give up, feel fatigued and unmotivated. Remember that all of the Motive8 team are on hand to offer guidance about exercise or your diet. It is easy to be tempted by peer pressure so be sure to tell your friends and family about your goals and ask for their support, even better ask them to join you. The complements you will get from your friends and family if you stick to your training programme and achieve your goals will be more worthwhile than letting yourself give into temptation!
9) Incorporate Intervals
When it comes to getting fit fast, intervals are the gold standard. Not only do they cut your workout time down, they also burn fat and boost your cardiovascular fitness faster than steady-pace workouts. Interval training involves work and rest so run for 3 minutes then jog for 3 minutes. Take advantage of the outdoors and do some hill sprints!
10) Do Something Different
I guarantee you jumping out your comfort zone and trying something different is the most rewarding thing ever. Try something new this spring. Last summer I tried something new….mountain biking. I never thought I would do something like that but I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a fantastic workout. So instead of saying no or thinking ‘‘agh’ that’s not for me” give it a go….you never know you might like it!